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Mobility Series: 6 Considerations for Shifting to Blended Learning
As the public transportation workforce evolves, here are some basic tips for successfully implementing blended learning into academy-style training programs and steps to digitize learning content.
Design and Plan New Courses
Our last blog post in our mobility series covered how blended learning strategies are an excellent approach for transit training managers to create knowledge experiences for their learners. Blended learning offers the optimal mix of human interaction and self-paced learning, and allows for greater flexibility when designing and planning your new courses.
In this post, we discuss how to make the jump from traditional Instructor-led training (ILT), how to make the change, and what to consider for shifting to a blended learning program.
Here are some tips for successfully implementing blended learning into your academy-style training programs.
6 Considerations for Shifting to Blended Learning
Prepare for the shift to blended learning by undertaking the necessary groundwork.
1. Digital Literacy
In most workplaces and in learning environments in general your audience will likely span a wide range in age, and comfort with technology. Some of your learners may struggle with technology making it a barrier while others navigate with ease. A strong blended learning program will incorporate digital solutions such as computer-based training and potentially even mixed reality. Ensuring your materials meet the needs of everyone on the digital literacy spectrum is important in making the program enjoyable and removing barriers. Assess your team’s knowledge and competency levels to identify comfort levels with a blended learning approach for increasing completion rates and improving learning engagement.
2. Learner Needs
Your program will need to meet your learners where they are and be manageable for them around other activities they must do in the course of their day-to-day work. Your approach may include classroom training, On the Job Training (OJT), computer-based training, and mixed reality. How do these activities fit in the schedule of an average learner and how can they best be made available in a way that is convenient? Reach out to them, find out their learning preferences to match the best technology for optimal learning outcomes, and develop consistent and documented computer-based training for your transit agency
3. LMS Reporting
Choosing the right Learning Management System (LMS) is important for measuring, tracking, and recording employee performance and progress. It should be a simple system for learners and easy to access with as few clicks as possible on whatever device is most convenient. The right LMS also encourages peer-to-peer content curation and facilitation of ILT and Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) training sessions.
4. Translation and Localization
In a diverse workforce you may encounter multiple languages and even if there is a consistent primary language across the group, for some that may be their second language. Learning complex subject matter in a second language can create challenges and reduce the value of the time invested causing frustration for both learners and organizers! Similarly, cultural understanding of certain phrases or concepts can vary where your learners may be getting a very different message than you are intending! Accounting for language familiarity, cultural values, and designing with accessibility in mind is also important for training staff asynchronously.
5. Converting Resources
Often, moving to a blended approach means conversion of existing training materials into other formats. Shifting part of your program from face-to-face training includes assessing current learning programs, converting custom or curated content for an online approach, and modifying training materials. Presenting information in an asynchronous, digital format requires different considerations and though needs to be put in to how best to convert the material for the medium(s) to be used.
6. Find the Right Solution
There is no one-size-fits-all solution in blended learning programs. It’s all about applying the right tool for the job and the right approach for your team and your objectives. Make the most out of your blended learning program by working with trusted digital knowledge partners to update your content and platforms provide opportunities for continuous improvement of microlearning training materials.
Benefit From Flexibility
Every organization wants to improve employee performance, increase customer success, reduce company risks, and align positive outcomes with business goals. One way to do this is by tracking these outcomes with a degree of accuracy and measuring your training and development programs. A continuous learning process takes time and requires steady effort and focus.
Join us for the next installment of this series to understand the benefits and challenges of blended content and tips for converting your resources to eLearning content.
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